Should a TA be a charity?

wendyphant

Should a PTA be a charity?

I am now vice chair of our PTA and was kinda recalling something it the past about only being able to raise so much before having to be a charity? We raised almost 7000 last year and they want to aim for 10000 for a mini bus is there a limit and what are the benifits of being a charity?

Sayaka

I believe if you're over £5000 a year it's compulsory to register with the Charities Commission. Advantages include being eligible to claim Gift Aid.

Have a look on their website here: http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/

Savvy_Sue

I don't think a PTA has to be registered as a charity, however, the real experts are the National PTA. It is possible that by affiliating to them you get the benefits without the downsides.

You can't register a new charity before you've got your first £5000, but setting up a new charity isn't to be undertaken lightly in any event. Advantages - main one is being able to accept Gift Aided donations. Disadvantages - you have to do things 'by the book', properly set up constitution, appointed officers, submitting annual returns and accounts etc. However these are all things you'd be well advised to do anyway!

Haarlem

Just a point that Savvy_Sue's reply might have given the wrong impression.

A charity does not have to be registered to get Gift Aid, but of course it must have an income less than £5000. Above this figure it has to be registered to continue as a charity.